SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and KTT Wine Red are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, both offering a unique typing experience. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftness, making it perfect for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, giving you a truly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile. It is perfect for those who enjoy a more subtle typing experience. With its bassy and low-pitched sound, it provides a pleasant and soothing typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Wine Red switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Ayara produces a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
While the two switches differ in their housing materials, both the Ayara and the Wine Red prioritize sound quality. However, the Ayara's nylon construction creates a more muffled and subdued tone, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing produces a more vibrant and defined sound. These differences in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience, as the Ayara offers a deeper and mellower feel, while the Wine Red delivers a sharper and more pronounced keystroke sensation.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the switch's performance, the qualities of the bottom housing are more significant during key presses. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the material used will greatly affect the tactile response and feedback while typing. On the other hand, the top housing impacts the sound produced when releasing a key, giving it a distinctive sound signature. Therefore, the choice of housing material, be it nylon or polycarbonate, can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch depending on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Ayara switch's actuation force is currently unknown, while the Wine Red switch has an actuation force of 44 grams. This means that the Wine Red switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ayara switch. However, both switches share a similarity in their bottom out forces. The Ayara switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Wine Red switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Ayara switch will offer a slightly stronger resistance compared to the Wine Red switch. The weight of each switch is worth considering as well, as it can impact typing comfort. While the specific weight of the switches is unknown, those who prefer a lighter option may find the Wine Red switch more suitable for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier resistance provided by the Ayara switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches offer distinct options for users seeking either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience when using either of these switches. Additionally, it is worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is not mentioned, implying that they both have a standard travel distance commonly found in linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a clacky sound when pressed, which is not overly rich or bassy. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a deep and rich sound profile due to its bassy nature. It offers a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Ayara switch is more suitable for those who prefer a moderate and crisp sound, while the Wine Red switch is ideal for users who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch offers a polished typing experience. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek key travel. This polished feel enhances the overall typing experience and allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Ayara linear switch and the KTT Wine Red switch, it is clear that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a clacky sound profile with a medium actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, it offers a polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, information about the feel of the Wine Red switch is unavailable. If you are looking for a switch that offers a clacky sound and a polished feel, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a deep and bassy sound profile, the Wine Red switch could be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a medium heftness, providing a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, they offer a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, enhancing your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a slightly lower bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be a great option. These switches have a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, creating a pleasant typing sensation. Overall, the Ayara switches are known for their polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. As for the sound profile, the Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Wine Red switches, on the other hand, have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on which switch to choose based on your preferences and typing style. In the end, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch ultimately depends on your desired typing experience.
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